Gluten intolerance in dogs - A detailed guide

Gluten intolerance has become a much-discussed topic in recent years. But did you know that this condition affects both dogs and humans?

Gluten intolerance – or gluten sensitivity, as it is also known – can wreak havoc in a dog's gut. It is a reaction to the protein found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley and can lead to a number of chronic signs and symptoms similar to those of coeliac disease.

Is gluten bad for dogs?

Although they are quite rare, food allergies, including gluten intolerance, do affect some dogs. If left untreated, gluten sensitivity can have a harmful effect on your dog's gut and overall health [1]. Although gluten is safe for most dogs, you should take action if you notice signs of gluten sensitivity in your pet.

What is the difference between coeliac disease and gluten intolerance?

Coeliac disease and gluten intolerance are not the same, although the symptoms are very similar. Severe abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhoea are some of the most common symptoms of both.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder. In humans, the body's immune system attacks its own healthy tissue. The body's immune system attacks substances in gluten as a threat to the body and destroys them, leaving damage to the small intestine.

This inflammation can compromise the absorption of nutrients from food into the bloodstream, leading to anaemia and an increased risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Can a dog have coeliac disease?

There is debate within the scientific community as to whether dogs can have coeliac disease. A number of reports indicate that gluten intolerance does exist in dogs. Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity is diagnosed when no autoimmune antibodies are present.

Gluten intolerance usually occurs when a dog is between six months and three years old, but it can occur at any time. This condition is more common in breeds such as Irish Setters [2].

Symptoms of gluten intolerance in dogs

Are you wondering if your dog is allergic to gluten? Here are the main symptoms to look out for:

1. Stomach problems

Vomiting or stomach problems such as diarrhoea, loose stools, flatulence or excessive mucus in the stool can be the first sign that your dog has a problem with gluten.

2. Skin conditions

Look out for signs of dry and flaky skin, lumps and rashes. These are all classic signs of a food intolerance, although these signs of sensitive skin may also be linked to things such as seasonal allergies.

3. Excessive scratching

Before you notice a skin condition, you may see your dog scratching and itching excessively. If you observe this behaviour, it's worth investigating whether gluten or something else (such as fleas) is to blame.

4. Chewing on the paws

Red and inflamed paw pads are another sign of a gluten allergy. As a result, dogs with such an allergy may repeatedly lick or chew at their paws.

5. Coat condition

A dull, lacklustre coat can be a sign of gluten intolerance due to poor nutrient absorption. You may also notice hair loss caused by excessive scratching.

6. Weight loss

Dogs with a gluten allergy struggle to absorb nutrients from their nutrition. If you're feeding your dog the same amount of food as usual but they're losing weight rapidly, gluten could be the culprit.

7. Chronic ear infections

Excessive consumption of gluten can lead to yeast build-up, which can cause ear infections in your dog. Look out for dark, smelly, waxy deposits in their ears and head-shaking.

How do you know if your dog is allergic to gluten?

Any combination of the above symptoms could be a sign that your dog is allergic to gluten. If you suspect your dog is gluten-intolerant, you can start them on a gluten-free diet. If this alleviates the symptoms, it is highly likely that gluten intolerance is the cause of your dog's discomfort.

If you're still unsure, you can carry out a gluten intolerance test at home using a kit or by consulting a canine nutritionist.

Grain-free vs. gluten-free: are they the same?

Grain-free and gluten-free are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they don't actually mean the same thing. To add to the confusion, people often use the term 'grain intolerance' – when they do, they usually mean gluten intolerance.

Grain-free diets contain no grains at all – that means no rice, barley or wheat. This should mean that all grain-free products are automatically gluten-free, but it is no guarantee. If you are buying food for a dog with a gluten intolerance, it is worth checking the ingredients carefully.

Gluten-free nutrition does not contain gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley and rye, but may still contain other grains, such as rice.

Depending on whether you're dealing with allergies or simply want to optimise your dog's diet, a grain-free or gluten-free diet could be a good choice for your pup. Bear in mind, however, that neither label guarantees good quality. Just as with Imby Pet Food (which is both gluten-free and grain-free), you should look for products made from free-range proteins and healthy starch sources, such as vegetables.

Wheat allergy in dogs: is this the same as gluten intolerance?

Although many people think they are the same, gluten intolerance and a wheat intolerance or allergy are actually subtly different: gluten is the protein found in wheat and other grains.

Wheat may also be known as:

• Bran
• Bulgur
• Couscous
• Flour (plain, self-raising, wholemeal, malted)
• Wheat germ
• Modified starch
• Spelt

Gluten intolerance means an intolerance to all of the above, plus other sources of gluten such as rye and barley.

Despite the differences in humans, both are currently treated the same way in dogs. So if you're busy scouring the internet for information on what to do about wheat allergy in dogs, stop right there. A gluten-free diet for your four-legged friend is the safest and simplest way to solve all the problems.

Treatment for gluten intolerance in dogs?

Although there is no cure for gluten intolerance in dogs, the good news is that you can effectively manage the condition by removing gluten from their nutrition. Whilst this isn't always easy with perpetually hungry puppies around, it is important!

If gluten intolerance is the cause of your dog's symptoms, they should make a full recovery once you've removed the allergen from their snacks and nutrition. Over the coming days and weeks, you'll see their stools return to normal, any weight loss is made up, and they develop smooth skin and a shiny coat.

Before starting a diet, it's best to visit a veterinarian first for advice and support. They can give your dog a physical examination and, if necessary, carry out blood tests to rule out other underlying conditions.

As well as excluding gluten from your puppy's diet, your veterinarian may also make other dietary suggestions. They may recommend a specific diet or ask you to supplement your dog's food with extra nutrients and vitamins.

What should I feed my dog with gluten intolerance?

Once you know your dog has a gluten intolerance, it's time to stock up on the right nutrition.

Gluten is a common ingredient in dog food – the gluten-containing proteins are often used to bind kibble together. So make sure you check the ingredients of all the nutrition and treats your dog eats.

Thanks to growing awareness of this condition, there are now far more options available when it comes to pet food that is friendly to people with allergies. Look for high-quality products that use potatoes and other starchy vegetables instead of grains.

Nutritious gluten- and grain-free dog food, such as our kibble, is a great choice for pets with allergies. In fact, all dogs benefit from switching to a product like ours, regardless of whether they have allergies.

Grain-free diets should not cause any side effects (such as loose stools) in puppies without allergies. In fact, without cheap grains in their diet, and thanks to the added vegetables they will be eating, their gut health should flourish.